Joys of Jewish Learning

Welcome to another exciting and engaging year of adult learning at Temple Israel. We are very happy to present this year’s catalog, filled with fresh and thoughtful educational opportunities for adults who are eager to begin or continue their Jewish learning journey.

Community: Building Bridges and Making Connections

This year’s Joys of Jewish Learning Program (JJL) is focused on the meaningful theme of community.

Together we will learn more about ourselves, our congregational community, and our local community, as we study and build relationships with those around us. Throughout the coming year, we will build bridges and make connections. Join us as we explore Jewish text, examine current trends within our city, discuss challenges that face our community, and much more. We will welcome to our congregation many secular, community leaders who represent crucial institutions throughout Long Beach, including Long Beach Unified School District, The Port of Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. We will also be fortunate to learn from key scholars, including Dr. Ron Wolfson and Rabbi Sharon Brous, who are currently helping to shape and analyze the future of the Jewish community. In addition, we look forward to opportunities for us to meet in small groups to expand our knowledge about what it means to our best selves in the context of a family and as a community through the guidance of Jewish tradition.

Through the lenses of text study, current events, food, outings to local restaurants and museums, literature, film, theater, discussion, and scholarship, our minds will be challenged and hearts opened, as we learn more about the power and unending value of community. If you are new to our adult learning program, I invite you to join us at any point during the year. I am always glad to meet with you to provide any guidance.

If you are a long-time supporter of the JJL program, thank you for your ongoing participation and commitment to learning. Adult learning is self-motivated, and I encourage you to give yourself the gift of new knowledge and a deeper connection to this rich tradition of learning. Here at Temple Israel, adult education is an opportunity to make connections with others at the synagogue and beyond. Come and help us to build that community. Come and learn from one another. Your presence and participation are important to us.

Enjoy this year’s Joys of Jewish Learning catalog, and then please mark your calendars for the educational programs that are of interest to you and your family. Please feel free to extend an invitation to your friends as well. All are welcome to come and learn.